Denise Duval

Denise Duval (1921–2016) was a luminous French soprano celebrated for her magnetic stage presence and exquisite interpretations of modern French repertoire. Rising to fame in the mid-20th century, she became Francis Poulenc’s muse, creating iconic roles in his operas *Les mamelles de Tirésias* (1947) and the devastating one-woman drama *La voix humaine* (1959). Her voice—sleek, nuanced, and achingly expressive—thrived in works by Ravel, Debussy, and Satie, too, as heard in recordings like *L’heure espagnole* and the *L’art français du chant* series. A star of the Paris Opera and international stages, Duval brought a rare emotional intensity to both comic and tragic characters, cementing her legacy as a defining interpreter of 20th-century French vocal music. Though she retired from singing in 1965, her recordings remain a masterclass in style and storytelling.

Genres

Neoclassical

Opera

Latest Release

Ravel: L'heure espagnole, M. 52

Maurice Ravel•

Denise Duval•

Orchestre Du Theatre National De L'Opera Comique•

André Cluytens

Album - 22 Tracks - Released March 20, 2024